The M.S.Ed. in Instructional Systems Technology online provides an in-depth introduction to analyzing, designing, developing and evaluating educational tools, programs and systems and prepares the graduate for an entry level position in the field of practice, or allows the graduate to add instructional design skills and knowledge to existing professional capabilities. The program is completed online; students entering the program are expected to exhibit basic skills with common computer applications.

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements (15 cr.)

• R511 Instructional and Performance Technologies Foundations (3 cr.)
• R521 Design and Development of Instructional and Performance Interventions (3 cr.)
• R541 Instructional Development and Production: Design Thinking (3 cr.)
• R561 Evaluation of Instructional and Performance Improvement Systems (3 cr.)
• R621 Analysis for Instructional & Performance Improvement (3 cr.)

Specialization Electives (12 cr.)

Options here include all IST master’s program courses that are available online. Additionally, students with a focus on adult education, learning science or other related area may take up to 6 credits from such an area with approval of the advisor, providing that these courses are available online. R686 Internship in Instructional Design is not required but is permissible.

Outside Electives (9 cr.)

Select one course from the following (depending upon the student’s professional goals):

• D505 Adult Learning through the Lifespan (3 cr.)
• P540 Learning and Cognition in Education (3 cr.)

Other electives may be strongly recommended by the advisor based on student’s goals.

Requirement for Graduation

Online students may opt to take the R505 Professional Portfolio, in which case it counts as a Specialization Elective. They may, alternatively, elect to complete the portfolio independently with guidance from an advisor and not receive course credit. In this case the department verifies completion of the portfolio requirement.